Please be aware the landlord has withdrawn this property and it is no longer available.

South Norfolk Council Home Options Scheme – Allocations Policy

Changes effective from 1st August 2016

These will apply to all applicants from 1st August 2016. For applications made active before this date, the policy changes will apply at the date of renewal or reassessment.

1.2 Statement on Choice:

The Council and the scheme landlords are fully committed to enabling customers to play an active role in choosing where, and in what property type and tenure they live, while continuing to house those people in the greatest housing need and complying with all relevant legislation. However, to minimise the risk of further incidents of anti-social behaviour an applicant may be restricted in their choice of area.

It is important to realise that the demand for accommodation is higher in some areas than others. In making a decision about the choices available, applicants need to consider their housing need priority against the availability of properties in any given area.

2.1.2 Qualification

Amendment to local connection:

Have lived in South Norfolk for 3 of the previous 10 years

New Qualification:

Have an existing social tenancy and been in employment or training in South Norfolk for a minimum of six months and there is a reasonable expectation that the employment or training will continue for a further 12 months.

2.1.3 Non Qualification

Added:

They, or a member of their household, has been evicted for anti-social behaviour or unacceptable behaviour and there has been no demonstrable evidence of behaviour change in settled accommodation;

They, or a member of their household, provided false information to obtain social housing.

They, or a member of their household, are in arrears of rent advance and deposit loan or other debt of more than £100 owed to the Council;

They, or a member of their household, are owner-occupiers who are adequately housed and have financial means to find their own housing solution.

2.3 Assessment of housing need

Amendments:

Gold Band: Removal of priority for tenants of scheme landlords, living within South Norfolk, with two or more spare bedrooms.

Silver Band: Removal of priority for tenants of scheme landlords, living within South Norfolk, with one spare bedroom.

Added:

3.2.2 Minimising Voids

Sometimes properties are not bid for. In such circumstances and after consultation with the advertising scheme landlord the Council can extend the property eligibility to make it available to a wider pool of people on the register. If after it has been advertised for two cycles at the wider eligibility rating it has still not been let, the scheme landlord can request the property be advertised in neighbouring authorities and or independently. In agreeing to the request the Council must be satisfied that properties let in this way go to eligible tenants in priority need.

If you are a resident of South Norfolk or employed in the district you may be able to apply for affordable homes to rent through the South Norfolk Options scheme. Contact South Norfolk Council's Housing and Advice Team who can tell you if you qualify for the housing register and arrange an appointment.

If you do not live in the district but your current home is unsuitable for your needs, you may also be able to join the register.

Applications to the housing register are through interview at the Council offices in Long Stratton. If you are vulnerable, live in South Norfolk and have no means of travelling to our office we may be able to visit you in your home.

We provide a professional advice service on a range of housing options.

You do not need to use your bids if there are no properties that are suitable for you or are not in an area where you wish to live.

You only have to make one bid in a year to remain active on the housing register.

To access the South Norfolk Home Options Allocations Policy, please click here.

To find out how to get help and assistance on the scheme please ring 0808 168 2222. If you feel that you will need regular help and support to operate the scheme please call us to discuss, or get somebody to do so on your behalf.

Homelessness

If you are currently homeless please contact your Local Authority for advice and assistance.

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